Ready, set, go-kart.
Cambridge city council unanimously voted in favour of a recommendation report that would allow go-karting to be added to the list of approved uses under the "any other commercial recreational establishment use" zoning bylaw at a meeting on Aug 29.
The rink was previously occupied by Suso Skate Co. roller skating, which began in May. The company vacated the space on Sept. 3.
Staff supported the idea of bringing go-karts to the rink and the city held a statutory public meeting on the proposal on June 20 where no comments were received from members of the public.
A few questions were raised by council, including the impact of potential emissions from the batteries, hours of operation and the length of the track.
It was confirmed at the meeting last week the go-karts are safe to use inside and don't cause adverse emissions. It would also be operated within the malls operating hours and the track would be accommodated within the existing rink.
All seven councillors in attendance voted in favour of the motion to amend the bylaw. Ward 7 councillor Scott Hamilton was not present for the meeting.
Ward 8 councillor Nick Ermeta, who put the motion on the floor, took time to speak out in favour of the new use of the space.
"I say that this has my full support and I'm excited they’re keeping the recreational use," Ermeta said.
"It does mean a lot to the community to do that. I see new memories being created in this space. I think it's great for the community and it will continue to make our mall unique."
When reached for comment, Monique Marceau, the general manager of the Cambridge Centre mall, said further details will be coming soon.
"A new recreational retailer will be announced in late September," Marceau said.
"In North America, there's a growing trend of interactive recreation facilities becoming part of the shopping centre experience. This category of retailer is having a positive impact on the Cambridge Centre and the local community."
